Juniata sentinel and Republican. [volume] (Mifflintown, Juniata County, Pa.) 1873-1955, 1887-09-14

heart. / want"
The listeners behind the seringa
gasped. How would this dreadful af-
fair end? Here was Fitz. the beloved
of both, proposing, actually proposing
to an eidolon; shadow, an unknown
somebody wearing the shape of one of
them, speaking in her tone, aping her
manner TO a nicely.
Dear Clementina," FitZ went on,
eagerly, 81 love you most sincerely, 1
admire you above all other women
Are you quite-quite sure of that?"
whispered the unknown. "Is there no
one whom you have a secret liking
forP''
Fitz hesitated for moment. His
conscience was not evidently quite
clear. The lady, however, seemed in
no way vexed, but laughed softly as
she tapped him on the arm with her
fan.
''Therel L won't put too many que5-
tons. If you tell me that, tonight,
at least, reign supreme L ask moth
ing more"
fervently to his lips
dearest Clementina," he whis-
pered, tenderly; land now | beg you
will let me see the face have been
longing TO look at all the evening""
Here the widows peeped eagerly
through the screen of leaves, longing
and yet fearing the calculation of the
mystery.
lone mInute,' said the unknown,
putting her hand to the mask; L won
der if you will unsay your words if"
-'Unsay my words! neyerl" aSSever-
ated FitZ, paSsiOnately.
mot even II you have proposed to
to the wrong wOmaur" said clear,
mocking voice-a voice that made the
two eayeSdTopperS thrill with mingled
terror and rage. The mask of the I'M
known fell 10 the ground as she stood
up and faced her astounded admirer.
"Maryl'
Yes, Mr. Brandon-Mary." she
echoed. dropping him a mock modest
courtesy.
Now, how did you get here?' he
stammered.
"Ah, quite simply; l drove down in
a hansom," laughed Mary, gayly.
"Come, the play IS out, so L will ex-
PLAIN the plot, as it seems to puzzle
you. l wanted to see II Mary Grey.
given all the advanta 1es ladies in So
ciety' enjoy, could not hold her own
with the best. SO 1 made an exact
copy of Mrs. SOmers' dress-dId you
not see there was a second queen here
tO-night?'
YES; but she wore no rose in her
dress. and she seemed 50 dun and in
sipid after you that l concluied-"
$50 you male the rose
The badge of grace and w.t. in
teIrupted Fltz gallantly. But Mary,
tell me Your real motive for play ing
I this comedy OF errors"
Il fear 1t was revenge upon both OF
you," said Mary rather seriously, and
| get laughing. Mr.. Brandon, you
/ have behaved very badly TO me. Y on
| have cOurted me, won my affections,
Z and all the while you have tOyed and
/ triLed with the two widows as if nc
such being as myself existed. How
can / believe IN your sincerity after all
/ your flirting, after all that has passed
/ tonight DO you think it nothing tC
break a woman's heart?'' she added
somewhat tremulOusly.
For a moment FitZ was dumbfounded
but something III her look and tone
reused all the manliness latent III him.
Admiration took the place of astonlsh'
ment, and his native good nature made
been PLAYED on him. His better nature
also asserted itself. He felt that al
though his heart had always beer
Mary's, his fiirtatIons with the widow:
had been mere pasJime, though to
night, IN the excitement of the mo
. ment, he had gone further than he eyel
. intended.
lit is true l proposed to YOU" he
said at length, ''buJ you refused me. -
How could l DO otherwise" re,
| turned Mary, "when i saw you paying
as much attention To others as you diC
to meF"
Agaln FItZ was silent a moment.
"Gou have taught me a lesson
Mary" he cried at length, taking lie
hand, ''but l am going TO hold you q
your promise all the same. If yOl
spoke in jest was in earnest, and
don't Withdraw a word of what | said
am thankful that l have not gone to
far-that 1 can still honOrably ask yoI
TO be my wife. My heart is yours, anC
yours only, Mary; will you have me?'
Are you in earnest" asked Mary
sin most solemn earnest" he re
piled.
And the widows?" whispered
Mary.
You are worth hundred thous2n
widowsl"
Mary laughed and gave him such
charming smile that FItZ was enral
tured.
And your soubriquetP" she asked
FHZ laughed goOd-humOredly.
Some one will find me another
never fear. l shall change my nam
at the same time that you chang
yours, Mary. People have always Gale
me lucky fellow, but L really thin
/, Lady Mabel's ball masque has brougt
ne the best luck of all"
HE is hopelessly infatuatedl' nut
tered MInna to her friend; ''let US leav
him in his FOOLS Paradise. She is
second Becky Sharp"
And that was the verdict of tt
fairer half of society. But Mrs. Fit.
| gerald Brandon holds her own, neve
theless, for her masculine admireI
, pronounce her the ''prettiest, wittie:
, and brightest woman in London"